One evening in February, I walked into Casa Maria on the St. Mary’s University campus, to find four other Hawai’i kids there. The Marianists truly bring people together! I joke often that I have friends whom I’ve forced to adopt me as family, but it is true, especially with the Marianist Family. My work with the Marianists has given me more “family” in the last twenty years that I have been working on LIFE as an adult.

This summer, we will have nearly 200 students who will participate in Marianist LIFE in a very unique way. They will meet and interact with other students from across the Province. They do not know it yet, but LIFE 2020 will mark the beginning of something truly special, and I cannot wait for them to experience it all! #ThisIsWhatWeLiveFor

There are a number of events coinciding with the LIFE 2020 summer program. To register for any of them, please click on the appropriate links below. If you have any questions about the Matianist LIFE events, please contact Toni Mesina or Sierra Christian (
marianistlife@sm-usa.org or 215-634-4116)

The Chaminade College Preparatory, West Hills LIFE Team participates in LIFE Pacific and South. Members of the team have truly formed a very close bond, which is evident to their peers. This allows them to minister to their school community effectively. Other students see the LIFErs as "being the face of Christ to others," which is a reason why a number of them joined LIFE as underclassmen. During the year, they plan the Faith Rally and other prayer services, and are part of Kairos leadership, in addition to their regular MLC meetings.

Chaminade College Preparatory Middle School - Chatsworth, CA

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To celebrate Catholic Schools Week and Founders Week, the Chaminade Middle School SHINE students coordinated the morning prayer service for the middle school community. This included setting the Marianist Table and praise & worship.

Archbishop Riordan High School - San Francisco, CA

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When a number of the Riordan LIFErs were underclassmen, they noticed how the LIFE Team comprised of "really good guys." They saw a bond in those LIFE teams that was admirable, and the work the LIFErs did for the school sparked their interest. As members of the current LIFE Team, these young men have been able to continue that work through regular MLCs and events like "Christmas Off Campus" at feeder schools. These young men stay busy, and their presence is definitely felt on campus.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph - Cleveland, OH

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Christin VanAtta, co-moderator for the VASJ LIFE team, shared with us some of their events during Founders Week.

Students participated in in mini-pep rally.

The Chami treasure hunt was a hit!

Students received gifts like these throughout the week.

LIFEr Reflection

Antonio Maffei - LIFE Pacific 2019

Archbishop Riordan High School - San Francisco, CA﻿

My name is Antonio Maffei, and I am on the LIFE Team at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. I attended LIFE Pacific in 2019, and what I didn’t know was how life-changing joining LIFE and participating in the summer program would be.

On the first day I was scared, as I have never really been good with meeting new people and socializing. This summer program helped me get out of my comfort zone, and talk to and meet new people. At LIFE Pacific, I met some of my best friends. Though we may be miles apart, we work to keep in touch, despite our busy schedules. I am planning on visiting my brothers and sisters in Hawai’i in June, and I am also planning on flying down to visit friends from Chaminade College Prep in March.

LIFE has helped me become a new person, and I am truly forever grateful for that. I went from having few friends nearby to having best friends across the country. I am very thankful. I truly am a #SoulOnFire!

Support Marianist LIFE

Antonio is just one of thousands of students who benefited from their time with Marianist LIFE. He and other LIFErs bring their experiences back to their schools and parishes for the year, and often, they take these skills far beyond their high school years. Thank you for all your prayers and support over the last 50 years!

To support Marianist LIFE, please click on the image below.

It's a Wonderful Marianist Life!

In February, the 2020 National Coordinating Team gathered in Texas for a planning meeting. Part of the meeting was spent at Tecaboca, which was a very special time, as the Tecaboca Board was there for their meeting, and PULSE was holding their retreat. We shared meals and Sunday liturgy together. The fact that our three very different ministries were in the same place for different purposes, and were still able to join in fellowship was not lost on any of us. This was a memorable day for all.

Employment Opportunity

Have a passion for youth ministry? Interested in a team focused, collaborative work environment? Looking for an opportunity to help high school students across the country grow in their faith? Want to help form educators and adult volunteers working in youth and educational ministry?

The Marianist Province of the United States is seeking a Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) Program Coordinator. LIFE is a national faith-formation program for high school students, rooted in Catholic teaching and the Marianist charism.

The Marianist LIFE Coordinator provides vision, leadership and support to Marianist-sponsored and other related ministries across the country. Your role will provide growth, leadership and formation opportunities to help sustain vibrant Marianist LIFE communities that support the mission and vision of the Marianist Charism.

LIFE is based on Blessed William Joseph Chaminade’s vision for building a community of communities to change the world. Marianist LIFE provides students opportunities to share faith, to learn from each other and to become instruments of peace. Learn more.